crab id?

[saywill]

This crab showed up out of nowhere. He must be a hitchhicker. I saw him today for the first time, he was molting. Here is his top shell. It is brown around the edges, and gets a lighter tan toward the back and center. Does anyone know what type this is? Could this guy be the reason for some missing fish??

 

[Lance M.]

It's possible but I think most healthy fish would be able to evade the crab. How big is it? I would catch it asap.

 

[saywill]

Am I overthinking this? Are crabs bad to have in the tank?

 

[Sadielynn]

depends on size the crab size of tank some crabs will snag a sleeping fish or inverts some will pick at polyps rule of thumb if it has black claws it is bad news with out a full shot of him it is hard to be 100% on Id

 

[saywill]

he does have black claws, I have that from when he molted.
How do I get him out of the tank?

 

[Sadielynn]

You can try to locate the rock he is in and flush him out with carbonated water squrted into the hole , or by a small glass tilted to the side near his hole ... with a piece of food in it once he goes into the glass he cant get back out ... Chances are he is the reason for your missing fish

 

[melosu58]

or by a small glass tilted to the side near his hole ... with a piece of food in it once he goes into the glass he cant get back out ...

 

[saywill]

what should I use for bait??

 

[melosu58]

Small piece of shrimp or krill.

 

[saywill]

ok, how do I keep the bait in the glass??

 

[melosu58]

It will fall to the bottom of the glass.

 

[saywill]

I got it!! Thiis thing was a monster! His claws are huge. This has got to be the reason I lost so many fish. Now I feel I can go out and get some fish for the tank again.
Thanks for the help.